Located in the serene coastal town of Bekal, Kasaragod district, Bekal Fort Railway Station (station code: BFR) is a crucial hub in the Southern Railway zone of Indian Railways. This railway station connects the region with the more extensive railway network, serving thousands of travelers daily offering convenient access to Bekal Fort and its scenic surroundings. In this article, we will explore the key details, how to reach Bekal Fort, and essential information about the Bekal Fort Railway Station.
Overview of Bekal Fort Railway Station
Bekal Fort Railway Station, previously known as Pallikkere Railway Station, was renamed to reflect its proximity to the Bekal Fort — a major landmark and tourist attraction in the region. The station lies in the Palakkad railway division. It is part of the Southern Railway zone, playing an essential role in connecting the town of Bekal with other cities in Kerala and India.
Station Category and Traffic
As an NSG-4 category station, Bekal Fort handles a substantial amount of traffic. The station serves nearly 5,000 passengers daily, and 10 trains operate regularly at this station. Despite its relatively smaller size compared to other major stations, it remains an essential access point for locals and tourists visiting the Bekal Fort area.
Key Details of Bekal Fort Railway Station
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Station Code | BFR |
| Location | Bekal, Kasaragod District, Kerala |
| Nearest Landmark | Bekal Fort Beach, Bekal Fort |
| Railway Division | Palakkad Railway Division |
| Category | NSG-4 Category |
| Total Area | Approximately 13 acres |
| Number of Trains | Around 10 trains daily |
| Passenger Footfall | 5000 passengers daily |
| Old Name | Pallikkere Railway Station |
| Railway Zone | Southern Railway Zone |
| Phone Number | Telephone Number: Not available (For inquiries, call Railway Enquiry at 139) |
Bekal Fort Railway Station: Location and Connectivity
Bekal Fort Railway Station holds an advantageous location just 1.7 km away from the iconic Bekal Fort. The station is easily accessible to those visiting the fort, offering a convenient entry point to the historical monument and Bekal Beach. For travelers arriving at the station, a short taxi ride or walk will lead them to the Bekal Fort, where they can explore the ancient fortifications, enjoy panoramic views of the coastline, and relax at the nearby beach.
Nearest Railway Stations:
While Bekal Fort Railway Station is the closest station to Bekal Fort, there are a few other nearby stations for travelers who may require alternate access points to the region:
- Nearest Railway Station to Bekal Fort: Bekal Fort Railway Station (BFR)
- Bekal Fort Railway Station to Kasaragod Railway Station: Kasaragod Railway Station is about 15 km away, offering additional connectivity options for passengers traveling to and from Bekal.
How to Reach Bekal Fort from the Railway Station
Traveling from Bekal Fort Railway Station to Bekal Fort is quick and straightforward. With a distance of just 1.7 km between the two points, visitors can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or walk to the fort. The short distance ensures you can easily visit the historical site immediately after arriving at the station.
Important: There are no direct public buses to the fort, so hiring a private vehicle or using local taxis and auto-rickshaws are the most efficient ways to reach Bekal Fort from the station.
Bekal Fort Railway Station: Contact Information and Enquiry
While the station does not have a dedicated contact number, visitors can always reach out to the Indian Railways Enquiry Service for further assistance:
- Railway Enquiry Phone Number: 139 (24×7 service)
- Bekal Fort Railway Station Code: BFR
Suppose you’re traveling from another city or region and need real-time updates about train schedules, delays, or cancellations. In that case, calling the national railway inquiry number (139) will provide you with the latest information.
Bekal Fort Railway Station Trains Schedule
| Train Number | Train Name | Type | Departure Time (from BFR) | Days of Operation | To/From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16610 | Mangaluru Central – Kozhikode Express (UnReserved) | Express | 06:19 | Daily | To Kozhikode |
| 56621 | Charvattur – Mangaluru Central Passenger (UnReserved) | Passenger | 06:35 | Daily | To Mangaluru Central |
| 16629 | Malabar Express (PT) | Express | 08:02 | Daily | To Mangaluru Central |
| 56717 | Kannur – Mangaluru Central Passenger (UnReserved) | Passenger | 09:16 | Daily | To Mangaluru Central |
| 16347 | Thiruvananthapuram Central – Mangaluru Central Express (PT) | Express | 09:34 | Daily | To Mangaluru Central |
| 16324 | Mangaluru Central – Coimbatore Express (UnReserved) | Express | 10:15 | Daily | To Coimbatore |
| 16323 | Coimbatore – Mangaluru Central Express (UnReserved) | Express | 16:47 | Daily | To Mangaluru Central |
| 56718 | Mangaluru Central – Kannur Passenger (UnReserved) | Passenger | 18:16 | Daily | To Kannur |
| 16630 | Malabar Express (PT) | Express | 19:27 | Daily | To Thiruvananthapuram |
Note: Please verify the train timings as they may be subject to changes. Check the official railway site or station for the most up-to-date schedule.
Facilities and Services at Bekal Fort Railway Station
Though Bekal Fort Railway Station is more minor than major railway stations in Kerala, it provides basic amenities for passengers. The station has:
- Waiting Area: A comfortable space for passengers to wait for their trains.
- Restrooms: Clean and functional restrooms for the convenience of travelers.
- Ticket Booking Counter: Available for booking tickets to and from Bekal Fort.
- Refreshment Stalls: Food and beverages are available at stalls near the station for passengers who need a quick snack.
Since it’s a relatively minor station, more luxurious facilities such as lounges or Wi-Fi services may not be available, but they are still adequate for short trips.
Bekal Fort Railway Station: A Gateway to History
Apart from being a transport hub, Bekal Fort Railway Station is the gateway for history enthusiasts and travelers to access Bekal Fort, one of Kerala’s most prominent historical landmarks. The fort, built by the Keladi Nayakas in the 17th century, is famous for its strategic location with stunning views of the Arabian Sea. It attracts thousands of visitors annually, making Bekal Fort Railway Station an essential stop for those seeking to explore Kerala’s rich history and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the distance from Bekal Fort Railway Station to Bekal Fort?
It is just 1.7 km from Bekal Fort Railway Station to Bekal Fort. A short taxi ride or walk will take you there.
2. What is the station code for Bekal Fort Railway Station?
The station code for Bekal Fort Railway Station is BFR.
3. How to contact Bekal Fort Railway Station?
Unfortunately, there is no direct contact number for the station. You can contact Indian Railways Enquiry at 139 for any information or assistance.
4. How many trains stop at Bekal Fort Railway Station?
Around 10 trains stop at Bekal Fort Railway Station on a daily basis.
5. What are the nearest railway stations to Bekal Fort?
The nearest railway station is Bekal Fort Railway Station (BFR). For broader connectivity, Kasaragod Railway Station is about 15 km away.
6. Is Bekal Fort Railway Station accessible by all trains?
Not all trains stop at Bekal Fort Railway Station. However, many trains bound for nearby cities do make a stop here. For broader train options, Kasaragod Railway Station is a better alternative.
Conclusion
Bekal Fort Railway Station (BFR) is a vital access point for travelers visiting the magnificent Bekal Fort and nearby beaches. While it may not be one of the busiest stations in Kerala, its strategic location and the ease with which travelers can access the fort and beach make it a key point of interest in Kasaragod district. Whether arriving to explore the history, enjoy the beach, or pass through, this station is a convenient and vital link for your travels in the region.
